Los Angeles Dodgers: Three right-handed bats to consider adding
By Jason Reed
1. Cesar Hernandez, Philadelphia Phillies
Alright, I guess if you want to get technical, Cesar Hernandez is not a right-handed hitter. He is actually a switch-hitter, but jokes on you, that only makes him much more flexible in different lineups and serves a double whammy.
However, Hernandez’ true value comes against left-handed pitching as he is much better on the right-handed side of the plate that on the left-handed side. But that is just fine, the Dodgers already have a surplus of left-handed hitters.
Last season, Hernandez slashed .272/.375/.325 against southpaws and .247/.350/.374 against right-handed pitching. It is interesting that his power numbers are actually down against southpaws but the Dodgers don’t need more power.
Last season was actually somewhat of a down year for Hernandez, who hit above .300 against southpaws prior to 2018 and is now sitting at a career average of .297.
The Dodgers would likely only pursue Hernandez as a second baseman if the team plans on playing Cody Bellinger in the outfield and Max Muncy at first base. And while the team does still have Enrique Hernandez and Chris Taylor, they might serve as platoons with Alex Verdugo in the outfield.
Plus, against southpaws, there is a chance that Muncy nor Bellinger would be in the lineup, opening a spot for Hernandez.
With the addition of Jean Segura and the potential addition of Manny Machado, the Phillies might be willing to trade Hernandez for Yasiel Puig and a salary dump in Matt Kemp. They say screw the luxury tax while the Dodgers open a roster spot and salary cap space for Harper.